DoubleTree by Hilton Makes a Breakthrough in Australian Market

June 27, 2012 // Franchising.com //PERTH, Western Australia and MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Worldwide today signed a management agreement with Ramtron Australia Pty Ltd to open the first DoubleTree by Hilton property in Australia. Scheduled to open around mid-2014, the 164-room DoubleTree by Hilton, Karratha will be strategically located in the centre of the Karratha commercial area, 15 kilometres from Karratha airport and 20 kilometres from the port at Dampier.

Karratha is a major mining hub in the Pilbara region, the largest resources region in Australia. Karratha adjoins the port of Dampier and is located 1,500 kilometres north of Perth, the capital of Western Australia.

"Hilton Worldwide has had a strong presence in Australia for over 40 years with the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand, and we have been committed to expanding our brand portfolio in the region for some time. The DoubleTree by Hilton, Karratha will be our sixteenth property in Australasia and the first DoubleTree by Hilton in the region, joining the Parmelia Hilton Perth as the second Hilton Worldwide property in Western Australia," said Robert Scullin, vice president, development, Australasia, Hilton Worldwide, "The hotel is strategically located to support the ever growing demand from the resources sector and we are confident the DoubleTree by Hilton, Karratha, with the support of the developers Ramtron Australia Pty Ltd, will be the leading full-service hotel in the market."

Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, "We are delighted to introduce the DoubleTree by Hilton brand to Australasia. The DoubleTree by Hilton, Karratha shows our commitment to providing comfortable, amenity-rich hotel experiences for business travellers as we create a rewarding and friendly hotel experience for the DoubleTree by Hilton brand globally."

Guests at DoubleTree by Hilton, Karratha will be greeted with the characteristic qualities currently found at the brand's more than 300 DoubleTree by Hilton locations in 24 countries around the world, including the warm welcome of the brand's legendary chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in; an array of upscale amenities and guest services; the rewards of the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program; and a unique and caring team member commitment to the local community.

The eight-storey property will feature 144 guest rooms, 20 apartments and will have an all-day dining restaurant and bar. The hotel will also offer a fitness centre, an outdoor pool, three function rooms and car parking facilities.

Ramtron Australia Pty Ltd is a consortium led by local Western Australian developer Rothchester Hotel and Resorts Pty Ltd. The consortium also includes well known Karratha identity Kim Loxton, Tang Weng Fei of Singapore-based Ramtron Oil International Ltd, and Perth-based company AYR International Pty Ltd.

Ron Tondut, managing director of Rothchester Hotel and Resorts Pty Ltd, said, "I have had a long standing relationship with Hilton Worldwide and I am very excited about bringing the world-renowned DoubleTree by Hilton brand to the Pilbara. The introduction of a brand such as this represents a significant hotel development in one of Australia's most important resources regions and is a testament to the tremendous growth which is taking place in this area."

Hilton Worldwide currently manages and franchises 15 properties in Australasia including the Parmelia Hilton Perth in Western Australia. For more information on DoubleTree by Hilton, please contact your local travel professional or visit the brand's website at www.doubletree.com.

About DoubleTree by Hilton

With a growing collection of contemporary, upscale accommodations in more than 240 gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations worldwide, DoubleTree by Hilton hotels are distinctively designed properties that provide true comfort to today’s business and leisure travellers. From the millions of delighted hotel guests who are welcomed with the brand’s legendary, warm chocolate chip cookies at check-in to the advantages of the award-winning Hilton HHonors® guest reward programme, each DoubleTree by Hilton guest receives a satisfying stay wherever their travels take them. To find out information about any DoubleTree by Hilton hotels, travellers may visit our website at www.DoubleTree.com or contact their preferred travel professional.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,800 hotels and timeshare properties, with 630,000 rooms in 91 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.

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